Probably the most common question these days about my blog is why I don’t have it open for “comments” like other bloggers do. There are a couple of reasons for that.
For one, blogging is just one thing I do in my job. I’ve got other things to do too. I fear that allowing open comments all the time to every post I write would require too much of my time to read them, think about them and respond to them. I’d have to respond to them because allowing comments and then ignoring them is worse, in my opinion, than not allowing them in the first place.
For another, I’ve always looked at my blog as a tool for communicating to people and not necessarily with people. There’s a difference. I read other blogs where the shortcomings of electronic communication really diminish whatever value there is to the back-n-forth of the exchanges between the communicants. It’s incredible how far some folks will go to not understand another’s point of view. It can be very frustrating, and I’ve got enough of that in my life right now, so I’ll keep doing what I’m doing.
All that being said, I do receive lots of comments on my blog. Other readers don’t see these comments, but I get them regularly. I usually follow-up directly with the person offering the comments. I’ve occasionally shared some of the comments I’ve received by copying and pasting a representative smattering of them into a single posting. It’s been awhile since I’ve done that. Well, today is your lucky day. Today is the day for that posting. Enjoy these comments/responses:
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Comment: Thanks for the information on oak wilt–unfortunately, I felt that your posting was a little confusing. Here’s a clearer explanation from the University of Minnesota Extension service:http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/naturalresources/DD3174.html
My Response: I went back to that posting and inserted the link.
——————
Comment: Hello Scott, I just found your blog about fiscal disparities program. I am a PhD student in Economics at Georgia State University and I my dissertation is about the effect, which the program produced on the industrial/commercial property values in the metro area. My hypothesis is that the program should have induced the flight of these properties out of the metro area. I wonder if you know if any research of this kind has been done before, and if the results of my work would be interesting to some policy makers. Thank you.
My Response: I referred this fellow to the information he was looking for at the Metropolitan Council.
——————-
Comment: Hello — We were tickled to see our biweekly “County Board Actions” on your blog. You said you received this info from Commissioner Koblick — if you would like to receive CBA on a regular basis (I do them after every board meeting) to inform your folks, I can put you on our e-mail media list.
My Response: I accepted the offer and now receive a weekly email from Commissioner Koblick’s office describing the activities of the Hennepin County Board for that week.
———————
Comment: First off… I just want to say thanks for writing a blog. It’s not every day when the a form of government can reach out to it’s people it serves in such a way as a blog… but that brings me quickly to another point. Why can’t I comment on the posts? Closing off comments does nothing but stop a few pesky spam messages from getting on the blog… but it ends up closing the door for people who read the blog to speak their mind about the current topic. :: shrugs :: But at any rate, I like what you’re doing… keep it up!
My Response: Asked and answered. Sorry.
———————-
Comment: I am a footballer, am seeking for a club to enter in your locality. i played midfilder, and four is my wing. i have played for srongest team in nigeria , which i host there captain for thee year. sir i my applicant can be acceptable by u , i promsed to bring glory to your club, through my football career.
My Response: Couldn’t help this guy. I love the beautiful game, but I’m not an agent or a manager.
——————–
Comment: I am a prof at Long Beach State and would like to reference a part of your web log on the Kelo IGR case for my students here in CA. Nice blog, keep up the good work, EP is in fine hands!
My Response: I said “Sure, why not.”
————————-
Comment: I just moved into Eden Prairie off Pioneer trail and Cedarcrest Drive and am now facing a significant issues-the airport-My realotor nor the sellers ever disclosed that the planes and small jets bank right or left and fly straight over this house I paid 1.320,000 for this property-what is the buzz I hear from the neighbors regarding EXPANDING!!!!! this airport/ Please e-mail me back on this Thank You.
My Response: I had to share an unhappy message with this new resident that the train on airport expansion had left the gate some time ago. The airport will expand. We don’t know when. I’m guessing it won’t be soon. But if the economics of air travel change quickly, it could be soon. The Metropolitan Airports Commission controls the airport. They determine when the expansion will occur.
——————————
Comment: Hello Mr. Neal; I moved to E.P. about 5 months ago. I noticed our neighbour, the city of Chaska, had Wi-Fi and the city of
Is there any discussion about incorporating Wi-Fi internet access in E.P.? The price of broadband is currently too much. Best regards.
My Response: I haven’t responded to this one yet. I’ve got a couple of comments like this one. City staff engaged our City Council in a discussion about this issue last year. We decided not to pursue a municipal solution because it appears that broadband Internet access is widespread and, generally, affordable. I think that I may need to write something more publicly about this past discussion on this subject. Just haven’t gotten around to it yet.
———————————
Comment: Just reading some blog stuff. Hope that car accident wasn’t too bad! Love you guys, Turner.
My Response: This comment is from my middle kid, Turner. He was studying in Germany at the time he wrote this. He tuned into to my post about getting rear-ended (again) on 494. I posted a post-accident photo of my car on the blog. Hey, it’s nice to hear from the kids sometimes.
